December 28, 2024

"We Are Being Watched"

In recent weeks some people have been focused on the night sky, not looking for flying reindeer or angels celebrating the birth of Jesus, but rather wondering about the many drones that have been spotted in certain areas. There have been all sorts of theories posed as to the reason for those mysterious robotic objects hovering in the darkness. Many people imagine that those drones may be carrying out some nefarious purpose. It tends to make people feel uneasy to think that someone could be spying on them, whether an individual, a foreign entity, or our own government. However, it does seem a little odd that individuals who seem to have no qualms about being tracked by security cameras, satellites, or smart phones get upset over the idea of those drones flying overhead.

Whether we like it or not, we are being watched. I am not referring to any of the aforementioned technology, neither am I suggesting that alien beings from outer space are keeping their eye, or multitudinous eyes, on us. I am referring to the fact that there is a God who is aware, watching, and present in our lives. He not only knows what is happening in the world around us, but He fully sees everything going on in our own personal lives. He not only looks in on what the public sees, but He is knowledgeable about all of our private moments, those actions and events that no other human being witnesses or is aware of. God’s spying capability even extends into the unseen area of our thoughts, attitudes, and motives. He knows it all. He knows more about us than we know about ourselves.

There are those who dismiss such an idea as a fairy tale, in the same way they might disregard certain “conspiracy theories” about those drones. Others may not deny this truth about an all-seeing God, but they don’t let it affect the way they live their lives. They continue to do whatever they want without any concern as to what God might think about it. However, we would do well to consider this truth that God is watching us. We just came through a season in which many parents encourage their children to be good because some jolly old elf is watching them. Shouldn’t the reality that a holy God is watching us cause us to be careful about what we do, say, and think?

On the one hand, the fact that God is watching should make some people feel apprehensive and guilty. We deserve His condemnation. We are all going to stand before Him for judgment one day. Thankfully, although we are all guilty of sin and deserve His wrath, we can find forgiveness through Jesus. Through repentance and faith in Him we no longer have to be afraid of God’s judgment. Nevertheless, out of love for God, we now want to please Him by obeying His commands. So we do try to live the way He wants us to live. We are concerned that our thoughts and motives be pure. The fact that our gracious Father is always looking on should spur us on to be the holy people He calls us to be.

On the other hand, the fact that God is ever present and watching us should be a comfort to us. We are not alone. He is our Emmanuel - “God with us”. He is right here with us no matter what we are facing in our lives. He is close by to protect us and help us. His presence shouldn’t make us uncomfortable. It should give us peace.

God is watching. If that makes you feel uneasy, maybe it should, but it doesn’t have to. Through faith in Jesus, it can become one of the most comforting truths there is.